Ross Brawn delays decision over future after Mercedes exit

Ross Brawn is to wait until the summer before deciding whether to return to Formula One.

After 11 months of speculation, Mercedes confirmed last week Brawn would be leaving his role as team principal at the end of the year.

Mercedes are to implement a restructuring plan that will see Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe in charge as executive director (business) and executive director (technical) respectively.

Given his level of experience and success over the years in F1, with 16 titles to his name, Brawn would understandably be a sought-after commodity.

The 59-year-old has been linked to Williams, McLaren, the FIA and Honda, who are to return to F1 in 2015 as an engine manufacturer.

For now, though, Brawn is to take stock as he said: "I really, genuinely, will see how things pan out in the next six, 12 months and make a decision."

Speaking to the International Business Times, Brawn added: "I'll take some time off now and reflect on things and see if the juices start flowing again and next summer make a decision on if there's any opportunities and things I want to do, or people offer me things to do."

Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, who held numerous talks with Brawn in a bid to convince him to stay, has no doubt he will return in some capacity.

The three-time F1 world champion said: "I'm very sad because I wanted him to stay another year but he says he wants to go fishing, he wants a rest.

"So I really tried hard but he stays a consultant to me, which I think is very good and important.

"I don't think he will retire, this is clear. I think he will come back, I don't know with the FIA or whatever he likes to do."